Fuel Dispensing and Vehicle Maintenance
Oil drops, gasoline, antifreeze and other vehicle fluids are toxic to the environment. It is much easier to prevent them from entering the storm drain and possibly our drinking water supply than it is to remedy the after effects. With the University having thousands of vehicles in its fleet, small spills and drips could add up to large problems.

Fueling
Structural precautions stop runoff from passing through the fueling areas and prevent contaminants from entering the storm water system. Curbs or berms and sloped pavement constructed around the perimeter of the fueling area are solutions. A cover over the fueling area also helps prevent runoff from washing away pollutants. Make sure that dispensing hoses are equipped with automatic shutoff valves and that these valves work. Minimize the impact of leaky temporary fuel tanks by keeping them in a bermed, paved area. Design the area to completely contain at least 110% of the tank's volume. Always verify that the vehicle fuel cap is in place when done fueling!

Fueling procedures
Training workers in the proper fueling procedures and how to respond quickly to spills if they do happen reduces the possible damage from an accident. Post signs instructing fuel pump operators not to overfill gas tanks or leave them unattended while fueling. Make it standard practice to stop filling the fuel tank when the pump shuts off the first time, and avoid "topping off" fuel tanks. "Topping off" increases the chance of spills, especially on warm days when the gasoline in the tank will expand and has the potential of overflowing. Besides the risk of gasoline washing down the storm drain, the vapors contribute to air pollution. On warm days, fill tanks in the morning hours while it is still cool to help reduce air pollution. Make routine maintenance a part of the fueling procedure. Check for fluid leaks and immediately repair and clean up any leaks that are found.

Vehicle and equipment maintenance
Just as with fueling, precautions need to be taken to prevent contaminants like oil, gasoline and other vehicle fluids from entering the storm water system and polluting the Huron River. Good housekeeping practices must be followed and employees trained as to the proper use, storage and disposal or recycling of materials. Clearly label waste barrels with their contents and instruct employees to use funnels when transferring liquids into them.

Being prepared for spills
Keep the staff updated on the OSEH Emergency Response Contingency Plan and conduct periodic review sessions. Post a summary of the Contingency Plan at the fueling station. The summary should include the name(s) of clean-up coordinators, the location of clean-up materials, and whom to contact in case of a spill. Keep supplies such as rubber mats, temporary drain plugs or berms in the fueling area so storm drains can be blocked immediately if a spill occurs. If plugs are used, train employees in advance on when and how to use them properly. Assign a person to periodically test the clean-up equipment and maintain its inventory. Along with the Emergency Response Plan, label and post the locations of storm drains in the area and indicate the slope toward each so they may be easily plugged.

Fix leaks
The sooner leaks are fixed, the lower the chance that fluids will wash into the storm system. This makes routine maintenance and inspections a must. Perform repairs only in designated areas and preferably indoors. A way of finding leaking vehicles quickly is to assign them parking places. A leak on the ground easily identifies the vehicle needing repairs. Instead of cleaning the whole engine to find the leak, use rags and solvents to clean small portions of the engine. Be sure to clean up the fluid that has accumulated on the pavement.

Designate an area where fluid changes or removals are to be performed and design it to contain spills. Waste containers also need to be stored in a secondary containment area to prevent spills from reaching the storm and sanitary sewers. If a leak is discovered "on the road", report it immediately.

What to do if a spill does happen
For small spills, cover the gasoline with a chemical spill pillow or absorbent material that can be swept or picked up, such as vermiculite or activated charcoal. The absorbent materials used to clean up gasoline or solvents must be disposed of properly through OSEH. Do not place them in the dumpster.

Stress the importance of correct procedures
No matter how small the spill is, workers should immediately clean up every one. Instruct them to never wash spilled materials down a storm drain or sanitary sewer or allow them to evaporate since pollutants will remain on the ground and can be washed into the storm drain and ultimately the Huron River with the next rain.